Scottish Highland cows grazing on green pastures in southern Idaho

Melba, Idaho

The Shaggy Farmstead

Grass-fed Scottish Highland cattle raised on open pastures in the beautiful high desert of southern Idaho.

Our Story

Raising Highland Cattle in Southern Idaho

The Shaggy Farmstead property in Melba, Idaho with pastures and Highland cattle

Set against the rolling sagebrush and irrigated pastures of the Boise Valley, The Shaggy Farmstead is home to a growing herd of Scottish Highland Cattle. We fell in love with this remarkable heritage breed for their gentle temperament, stunning appearance, and incredible hardiness, and we are proud to share them with our Idaho community.

100% Grass Fed

Our Highland cattle graze freely on open pastures year-round, never confined to feedlots. They eat what nature intended — grass, forage, and native browse across our southern Idaho rangeland.

Heritage Breed

Scottish Highlands are one of the oldest registered cattle breeds in the world, with written records dating back to the 12th century. Their hardy genetics thrive in Idaho’s high desert climate.

Family Operated

The Shaggy Farmstead is a family-run operation rooted in Melba, Idaho. We steward the land with care and raise every animal with hands-on attention and genuine respect.

The Breed

A Heritage Centuries in the Making

Scottish Highland cattle are among the most ancient and iconic breeds on earth. With their sweeping horns, shaggy double coat, and gentle eyes peering through a fringe of hair, they are unmistakable. But their appeal runs far deeper than looks.

Highlands are uniquely equipped for harsh environments. Their long, oily outer coat sheds rain and snow while a soft, downy undercoat provides insulation in the bitterest cold. This means they need less supplemental feed and shelter than other breeds, making them a natural fit for the open rangelands of southern Idaho. They come in a range of traditional colors including red, black, dun, yellow, white, and brindle.

6th Century

Ancient Origins

Archaeological evidence places Highland-type cattle in Scotland as far back as the 6th century AD. Shaped by centuries of natural selection in the harsh Scottish Highlands and western islands, they developed a remarkable resilience to cold, wind, and rain.

12th Century

First Written Records

The earliest written accounts of Highland cattle appear in 12th-century Scottish documents. Two distinct strains existed: the smaller, often black "Kyloe" from the western islands, and the larger reddish-brown cattle of the mainland Highlands.

1884

Breed Registry Established

The Highland Cattle Society of Scotland established the first herd book in 1884, making it one of the oldest registered cattle breeds in the world. The two original strains were merged into a single breed standard.

Today

Thriving Worldwide

Highland cattle have been exported across the globe and thrive in climates from the Scottish moors to the high desert of Idaho. Their docile temperament, low-maintenance care, and premium beef quality make them increasingly popular among small farms and homesteads.

Highland herd walking through misty pasture at dawn

Close-up portrait of a Highland cow with shaggy ginger hair

Highland cow mother with her fluffy calf

Why Highland Beef

The Health Benefits of Grass-Fed Highland Beef

When you combine an ancient, naturally lean heritage breed with a 100% grass-fed diet on Idaho rangeland, you get beef that is better for you and better for the land.

Heart Healthy

Grass-fed Highland beef contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), associated with reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Naturally Lean

Highland cattle carry less back fat than conventional breeds thanks to their insulating double coat. The result is a leaner cut of beef with lower total fat and cholesterol.

Rich in Iron & Protein

Highland beef is packed with high-quality protein and bioavailable iron, making it an excellent choice for those looking to fuel an active, healthy lifestyle.

Antioxidant Vitamins

Grass-fed beef has been shown to contain higher concentrations of vitamin E and beta-carotene — powerful antioxidants that support immune function and overall health.

No Grain, No Feedlots

Our cattle are never grain-finished or confined to feedlots. A 100% grass and forage diet produces superior flavor and a healthier fatty acid profile in every cut.

Sustainable Grazing

Highland cattle are natural browsers that thrive on rough forage other breeds avoid. Their gentle grazing patterns actually improve pasture health and soil quality over time.

Available Stock

Coming Soon

We are preparing our next selection of Scottish Highland cattle for sale. All animals are 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised on our Melba, Idaho ranch. Check back soon or contact us to be notified when stock becomes available.

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